The Top Crab Festivals in the U.S.: A Seafood Lover's Guide
October 10, 2024Crab Festivals in the U.S
Crab festivals in the U.S. are more than just events—they’re a celebration of regional traditions, community spirit, and, of course, some of the finest seafood you’ll ever taste. These festivals bring together thousands of seafood enthusiasts for a feast of crab dishes, from King Crab to Dungeness Crab, served alongside live music, entertainment, and cultural activities.
Whether you’re a die-hard crab fan or just curious about experiencing the best seafood America has to offer, these crab festivals are not to be missed. In this guide, we’ll explore the top crab festivals across the U.S., giving you a deep dive into what makes each event special and why it’s worth visiting.
For premium, sustainably sourced crab products, visit Global Seafoods , offering a variety of crab options including Snow Crab and Golden King Crab.
1. Maryland Crab & Beer Festival: A Feast of Blue Crabs
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Date: August
The Maryland Crab & Beer Festival is one of the premier crab festivals in the U.S., showcasing Maryland's iconic Blue Crab. This annual event attracts thousands of seafood lovers who gather to enjoy fresh steamed crabs, seasoned with the region’s famous Old Bay seasoning. Paired with a wide selection of local craft beers, this festival delivers the ultimate East Coast crab experience.
Festival Highlights:
- All-You-Can-Eat Crab: Attendees can feast on endless servings of steamed Blue Crabs, corn on the cob, and coleslaw.
- Craft Beer Selection: Sample from over 50 different craft beers, wines, and spirits, all while enjoying live music and entertainment.
- Family Fun: The festival offers games and activities for all ages, making it a fun experience for families as well.
As Maryland is often called the “crab capital” of the U.S., no crab lover’s bucket list is complete without attending this event.
For your own taste of premium crab, explore Global Seafoods , where you can buy Dungeness Crab, King Crab, and more.
2. Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival: Celebrating the Pacific Northwest
Location: Port Angeles, Washington
Date: October
The Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival is a tribute to the Pacific Northwest’s most beloved crustacean, the Dungeness Crab. Held in the picturesque town of Port Angeles, Washington, this festival is a dream for seafood lovers who want to experience the unique flavors of this region.
Festival Highlights:
- Crab Feed: The centerpiece of the festival is the famous crab feed, where you can enjoy fresh-caught Dungeness Crab served with garlic butter, bread, and coleslaw.
- Seafood Cooking Demos: Learn how to cook seafood like a pro from local chefs and culinary experts who showcase how to prepare dishes using fresh, regional ingredients.
- Vendor Marketplace: Discover a variety of local products, from fresh seafood to artisan crafts, all while enjoying live entertainment by regional bands.
The Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival offers an authentic taste of the Pacific Northwest, making it one of the top seafood festivals in the U.S. To enjoy Dungeness Crab at home, visit Global Seafoods for sustainably sourced crab delivered right to your door.
3. Alaska King Crab Festival: A Celebration of King Crab
Location: Kodiak, Alaska
Date: May
If you’re a fan of King Crab, the Alaska King Crab Festival is a must-visit. This festival takes place in Kodiak, Alaska, a coastal town known for its rich fishing industry and thriving crab populations. It’s a great opportunity to taste the largest, most succulent King Crab legs while learning about Alaska’s deep-rooted seafood traditions.
Festival Highlights:
- King Crab Feast: Indulge in freshly caught Golden King Crab, prepared in a variety of mouth-watering dishes, including steamed, grilled, and baked.
- Fishing Competitions: Watch or participate in exciting crab fishing competitions, showcasing the skills of local fishermen and women.
- Parade and Carnival: The festival also includes a lively parade, carnival rides, and games, making it a full family-friendly experience.
With its unbeatable seafood and strong sense of community, the Alaska King Crab Festival is a true seafood celebration. For the best Golden King Crab to enjoy at home, visit Global Seafoods .
4. Texas Crab Festival: Southern Seafood with a Twist
Location: Crystal Beach, Texas
Date: May
The Texas Crab Festival brings a Southern twist to classic crab dishes, celebrating the seafood bounty of the Gulf Coast. This festival is a favorite for locals and travelers alike, offering a wide variety of crab delicacies along with live music and art.
Festival Highlights:
- Crab Races: Yes, you read that right! The Texas Crab Festival features live crab races where attendees can cheer on their favorite crustacean.
- Seafood Cook-Off: Watch local chefs compete in the festival’s seafood cook-off, preparing dishes like crab cakes, crab gumbo, and grilled crab legs.
- Live Music and Art: Along with delicious seafood, the festival includes live country and blues music, as well as an artisan market featuring local crafts.
If you’re in the mood for Southern-style crab dishes and family-friendly fun, the Texas Crab Festival is the place to be. For fresh crab legs to prepare at home, check out Global Seafoods .
5. CrabFest: A Chesapeake Bay Tradition
Location: Crisfield, Maryland
Date: September
The CrabFest in Crisfield, Maryland, celebrates the rich heritage of the Chesapeake Bay’s Blue Crab industry. Known as the “Crab Capital of the World,” Crisfield’s annual CrabFest is a must-visit for anyone who wants to indulge in traditional Maryland-style crab dishes.
Festival Highlights:
- All-You-Can-Eat Crab: Feast on as many steamed Blue Crabs as you can handle, served with melted butter and Maryland’s famous Old Bay seasoning.
- Crab-Picking Contests: Test your crab-picking skills in friendly competitions, or watch the experts demonstrate the fastest and most efficient ways to pick crab meat.
- Local Music and Vendors: Enjoy live local music and browse stalls offering everything from seafood to hand-made crafts.
For a taste of authentic Maryland crab, order Blue Crabs or explore other options like Dungeness Crab at Global Seafoods .
6. Charleston Crab Festival: Lowcountry Crab at Its Best
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Date: May
The Charleston Crab Festival is a beloved Southern tradition, celebrating the rich seafood heritage of South Carolina’s Lowcountry. Held in the historic city of Charleston, this festival offers a wide range of crab dishes prepared with a Southern twist.
Festival Highlights:
- Crab Boils: The festival features Lowcountry crab boils, where fresh crabs are boiled with corn, sausage, and potatoes in a savory, spicy broth.
- Crab Cook-Off: Watch talented chefs compete in a cook-off to create the best crab dishes, including crab cakes, crab soup, and fried crab claws.
- Southern Music and Culture: Along with great food, the festival offers live Southern music, from bluegrass to jazz, along with local arts and crafts.
Experience the flavors of the Lowcountry by attending this festival, or bring a taste of Charleston home with premium crab from Global Seafoods .
7. More Crab Festivals Across the U.S.
Beyond these top festivals, there are plenty of other notable crab celebrations happening throughout the U.S. Here are a few more worth checking out:
- The Delmarva Crab & Beer Festival (Delaware): Featuring crab feasts, craft beer, and live music, this festival is a Delaware favorite.
- The Baltimore Seafood Festival (Maryland): While not strictly a crab festival, this event highlights Maryland’s seafood, including crab cakes and crab soup.
- Outer Banks Crab Festival (North Carolina): Celebrate the Atlantic blue crab with fresh dishes and live entertainment in North Carolina’s famous coastal region.
For more gourmet crab options, check out Global Seafoods and stock up on premium seafood.
FAQs: The Best Crab Festivals in the U.S.
1. Which crab festival is the best for families?
The Texas Crab Festival is a family-friendly event with crab races, carnival games, and live music, making it a great choice for all ages.
2. When is the best time to attend a crab festival?
Most crab festivals take place between May and October, with the peak being summer and early fall when crab is in season.
3. Are crab festivals only about food?
No, many crab festivals feature a mix of food, entertainment, music, and family-friendly activities like crab-picking contests and parades.
4. What’s the most famous crab festival?
The Maryland Crab & Beer Festival is one of the most famous crab festivals in the U.S., thanks to Maryland’s iconic Blue Crab and Old Bay seasoning.
5. Can I buy crab online if I can’t attend a festival?
Yes! You can order premium crab from Global Seafoods and have it delivered to your home.
For more information on preparing and enjoying crab, check out the Global Seafoods YouTube Channel , where you’ll find tutorials, recipes, and seafood tips.